How to host a Super Bowl party like a Food Network star: 11 menu must-haves

"My typical Super Bowl food setup is simple yet indulgent," says The Kitchen co-host Jeff Mauro. "I like to roll out three stages of food. Chips and crudités to start, then Italian beef sandwiches and pizza (with plenty of Mauro Provisions Honey G Pepper relish) and finally homemade cookies."

As for store-bought snacks, he always serves kettle chips. "One bag plain, one Honey Dijon, one Backyard BBQ. I love Kettle Brand Kettle Chips," he says.

Zakarian's go-to store-bought snack is salt and pepper chips — but as befits an Iron Chef, he puts his own spin on them: "I dress them up with caviar, creme fraiche and fresh minced chives."

This snack is part of his first course. "I like to course everything out like a four-course meal. One course per quarter!" he says. Here's the rest of his game plan: "Second quarter — seafood like shrimp cocktail or shrimp tempura, crab cakes, and caviar. Halftime — break and clean/reset. Have a drink. Third quarter — main course! Ribs, burgers and a fantastic chili are all in my game day rotation. Fourth quarter — dessert and champagne. I usually keep it simple here with a great brownie or cookie."

Knowing people like to start nibbling as soon as they walk through the door, Worst Cooks in America mentor (and City Harvest Food Council member) Anne Burrell has a ton of snacks ready to go, including "a big cheese and charcuterie setup with cornichons, olives and grapes. For the Super Bowl you not only have permission — but it's a necessity — to serve cheesy things," she says. 

She arranges the food on a giant wood board (like this one, which measures a whopping 36 inches long and 12 inches wide!) and places it on the coffee table. Then she leaves a smaller board by the TV. 

Burrell uses her regular oven to keep dishes like meatballs and carnitas warm, but she also loves this countertop oven/air fryer combo for smaller bites. "I like to make flautas and I'll just pop them in the air fryer. Then everyone can help themselves," she says.

Chauhan gets guests to drink up by making two batches of punch — one for each team, based on their colors. 

You could use a punch bowl (call it a super bowl!), or serve it up from a themed drink dispenser. This one can hold a gallon of your favorite beverage.

Burrell, Zakarian and Mauro all stock up on recyclable plates made from natural materials like bamboo. "Verterra brand disposable bamboo plates and cutlery are the best," says Mauro. "Makes cleanup simple and they are sturdy, environmentally friendly and look beautiful on the buffet."